US20170306713A1 - Device and System for Use in Monitoring Coring Operations - Google Patents
Device and System for Use in Monitoring Coring Operations Download PDFInfo
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- US20170306713A1 US20170306713A1 US15/517,164 US201515517164A US2017306713A1 US 20170306713 A1 US20170306713 A1 US 20170306713A1 US 201515517164 A US201515517164 A US 201515517164A US 2017306713 A1 US2017306713 A1 US 2017306713A1
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Images
Classifications
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B25/00—Apparatus for obtaining or removing undisturbed cores, e.g. core barrels or core extractors
- E21B25/16—Apparatus for obtaining or removing undisturbed cores, e.g. core barrels or core extractors for obtaining oriented cores
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B25/00—Apparatus for obtaining or removing undisturbed cores, e.g. core barrels or core extractors
- E21B25/10—Formed core retaining or severing means
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B34/00—Valve arrangements for boreholes or wells
- E21B34/06—Valve arrangements for boreholes or wells in wells
- E21B34/14—Valve arrangements for boreholes or wells in wells operated by movement of tools, e.g. sleeve valves operated by pistons or wire line tools
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B47/00—Survey of boreholes or wells
- E21B47/12—Means for transmitting measuring-signals or control signals from the well to the surface, or from the surface to the well, e.g. for logging while drilling
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B47/00—Survey of boreholes or wells
- E21B47/12—Means for transmitting measuring-signals or control signals from the well to the surface, or from the surface to the well, e.g. for logging while drilling
- E21B47/14—Means for transmitting measuring-signals or control signals from the well to the surface, or from the surface to the well, e.g. for logging while drilling using acoustic waves
- E21B47/18—Means for transmitting measuring-signals or control signals from the well to the surface, or from the surface to the well, e.g. for logging while drilling using acoustic waves through the well fluid, e.g. mud pressure pulse telemetry
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B49/00—Testing the nature of borehole walls; Formation testing; Methods or apparatus for obtaining samples of soil or well fluids, specially adapted to earth drilling or wells
- E21B49/02—Testing the nature of borehole walls; Formation testing; Methods or apparatus for obtaining samples of soil or well fluids, specially adapted to earth drilling or wells by mechanically taking samples of the soil
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a device and to a system for use in monitoring coring operations.
- Wells are generally drilled into the ground or ocean bed to recover natural deposits of oil and gas, as well as other desirable materials that are trapped in geological formations in the Earth's crust. Wells are typically drilled using a drill bit attached to the lower end of a “drill string”.
- Drilling fluid or mud
- Drilling fluid is typically pumped down through the drill string to the drill bit.
- the drilling fluid lubricates and cools the drill bit, and carries drill cuttings from the borehole back to the surface.
- Samples may need to be taken of the formation rock within the borehole.
- a coring tool is used to take a coring sample of the formation rock within the borehole.
- a typical coring tool usually includes a hollow coring bit which comprises an annular cylindrical cutting surface.
- the coring tool penetrates into the formation such that a coring sample enters in a hollow cylindrical section.
- the coring tool is brought to the earth's surface to retrieve the core sample for analysis.
- the sample is analysed to assess, amongst other things, the reservoir storage capacity (porosity) and the permeability of the material that makes, up the formation surrounding the borehole, such as the chemical and mineral composition of the fluids and mineral deposits contained in the pores of the formation.
- the information obtained from analysis of a core sample may be used to make exploitation decisions.
- Downhole coring operations are generally axial ring or sidewall coring.
- the coring tool is disposed at the end of a drill string within a borehole, in which the coring tool may be used to collect a coring sample at the bottom of the borehole.
- the coring bit from the coring tool may extend radlially from the coring tool, in which the coring tool may be used to collect a coring sample from a side wall of the borehole.
- An axial coring tool is an assembly of an inner barrel, an outer barrel and an annular core bit located at a core engaging end of the coring tool. Located opposite to the core engaging end is an attachment end of the coring tool.
- the inner barrel and the outer barrel are connected to a top sub.
- the outer barrel is connected to the outer diameter (OD) of the top sub through a stabiliser.
- the inner barrel is connected to the inner diameter (ID) of the top sub through a swivel assembly.
- the swivel assembly includes a bearing which restricts the inner barrel from rotating when the outer barrel is rotated by the rotating the drill pipe/string.
- the top sub is connected to the end of the drill string through a threaded connection.
- Drilling fluid or mud is pumped down the center of the drill pipes which form a drill string. Upon reaching the coring assembly, the drilling fluid passes through the inner barrel as well as the annulus between the inner barrel and the outer barrel.
- the drilling fluid exits through the inner barrel and the ports in the core bit.
- the drilling fluid is, passed through the inner barrel to clear the inner barrel.
- the drilling fluid is passed through the annulus between the inner barrel and the outer barrel and out of the ports of the coring bit in order to cool and lubricate the coring bit.
- the drilling fluid is returned to the surface from the annulus between the coring tool/drill pipes and the bore hole.
- the returning drilling fluid ca with it formation cuttings from the drilled hole.
- a steel ball Prior to commencing coring, in typical applications a steel ball is dropped down the drill pipe such that it rests in the swivel assembly in order to block flow of fluids to the inner barrel and divert flow to maintain the flow of fluid in the annulus between the inner barrel and the outer barrel.
- the steel ball is captured in a lower portion center pipe of the swivel assembly (lower portion being below the bearing of the swivel assembly), just above the inner barrel.
- the steel ball when in position at the swivel assembly creates a one-way valve to allow fluid/pressure build-up within the inner core barrel during coring to be relieved, but to prevent fluid passing down into the inner core barrel during such coring.
- the coring assembly is positioned at the surface of the formation from where the formation sample is to be obtained.
- the core bit is rotated by rotating the outer barrel which may be rotated by rotating drill pipe.
- the inner barrel is kept stationary. The rotation of the core bit and the weight on bit causes the coring tool to penetrate the formation.
- a core sample positioned between in the annulus of the core bit, enters the inner barrel as the coring tool advances into the formation. Once the inner barrel is filled with core samples rotation of the core bit is ceased.
- a core catcher in some instances spring loaded, grips the core sample from below the inner barrel. As the coring tool is lifted, the core sample breaks just below the core catcher. The coring assembly is then pulled out of the hole to the surface to retrieve the core sample.
- FCS full closure type system
- An FCS system has a mechanism which seals the bottom of the inner barrel, for example by a collapsible shoe or mechanically activating the closure or sealing the bottom of the core, so that the captured core does not slip out of inner barrel.
- a mechanical or collapsible shoe mechanism once the inner tube is filled with core sample, the shoe collapses or seals blocking the bottom portion of the inner tube to prevent the core sample from sliding out of the inner tube.
- Such sealing mechanisms may replace the core catcher.
- FCS Fibre Channel
- a further steel ball which is dropped down the drill string has a second important function. Apart from acting as a one-way valve blocking flow of mud down the inner barrel, this second steel ball activates the FCS mechanism or alternative system to activate and seal the lower portion of the inner barrel preventing core from falling out of the core barrel.
- Such standard coring methods provide no feedback, to the operator.
- the operator has only an ambiguous indication of whether the core column is entering the inner barrel, inside the inner barrel, or has fallen out of the barrel. If the operator's judgement is incorrect, the coring operation can become extremely expensive and time consuming.
- the reality is only confirmed after the coring tool is retrieved to the surface.
- core jamming Anotherexample of incorrect functioning of the coring tool is ‘core jamming’.
- the core formation can jam inside the inner barrel such that further core does not enter the inner barrel while the coring tool is working on the formation. If undetected, the core bit will merely mill the formation without obtaining full core.
- the coring equipment may get damaged because of core jamming.
- the time taken for retrieving the coring tool and a second round of coring is a few days on the rig.
- One or two drill operators have used expensive sensors in conjunction with a Mud Pulse Telemetry (MPT) system to provide feedback to the operator.
- MPT Mud Pulse Telemetry
- Such sensors detect core capture and/or core fall out and provide a signal to a mud pulser which transmits the signal to the surface.
- the MPT system is a common method of data transmission used for Measuring While Drilling (MWD) tools.
- Down hole, a valve or a mud pulser” is operated to restrict the flow of the drilling mud according to the digital information to be transmitted. This creates pressure fluctuations representing the information.
- the pressure fluctuations propagate within the drilling fluid towards the surface where they are received from pressure sensors. On the surface, the received pressure signals are processed by computers to reconstruct the information.
- the three types of MPT systems are positive pulse, negative pulse and continuous wave.
- Positive MPT uses a hydraulic poppet valve to momentarily restrict the flow of mud through an orifice in the drill pipe to generate an increase in pressure in the form of positive pulse or pressure wave which travels back to the surface to be detected.
- Negative MPT uses a controlled valve to vent mud momentarily from the interior of the drill pipe into the annulus between the drill pipe and the bore hole. This process generated a decrease in pressure in the form of a negative pulse or pressure wave which travels back to the surface to be detected.
- Continuous wave telemetry uses a rotary valve or “mud siren” with a slotted rotor and stator which restricts the mud flow in such a way as to generate a modulating positive pressure wave which travels back to the surface to be detected.
- An EM system applies voltage into the earth's crust, using it as a conductor.
- An EM system is cheaper than mud pulse system.
- an EM system is not suitable for use offshore where the EM signal does not pass through water.
- An induction system is suitable for use offshore.
- an induction system uses proprietary drill pipes having end connections to transmit signals from one drill pipe to another, and wired connection between two end connections of a drill pipe. These specialised drill pipes are expensive and in most operations they are cost prohibitive.
- a standard MPT system is primarily designed for a drilling operation and not for coring operation.
- the mud pulser is installed proximate to the drill bit.
- a plurality of flow subs that are designed specially for the mud pulser to operate are held above the coring tool having the sensors. These flow subs are different to regular drill pipes which form the drill string. The flow subs are made to suit the function of the mud pulser.
- the electrical connection is made between the sensors and the mud purser.
- the flow subs are lowered and screwed into the core assembly. Once assembled, the mud pulser is turned on via a download port provided on the periphery of one of the flow subs. Subsequently, the drill pipes are attached to the end of the mud pulser flow subs to form a drill string.
- the purser relays data from the sensors to the top of the drill string.
- the drilling fluid passes through the mud pulser to the coring tool.
- the flow subs used with mud pulser are heavy and expensive because of their thickness and proprietary design.
- the proprietary flow subs are designed to be used with a mud pulser. They form a part of the Bottom Hole Assembly (BHA) and so they need to be thick in order to provide sufficient weight on the coring bit. This adds to the capital costs of the rig.
- BHA Bottom Hole Assembly
- the flow subs of the mud pulser require a lot of critical maintenance. Particularly, their end threads need to be inspected after every job by a service company who provides the mud pulser. Such external inspections are expensive.
- FCS system is not useable with such a system because it is not possible to drop a ball to the swivel assembly of a coring tool as the mud pulser blocks the passage of the ball.
- the present invention provides a system for monitoring coring operations including: a sensor for detecting one or more coring parameters in a down-the-hole coring assembly and producing an indicative signal, and a signal transmitter connected to the sensor for transmitting said indicative signal to the surface, wherein the signal transmitter is located in the coring assembly.
- a coring assembly is the equipment attached to a drill string for obtaining a core sample of the formation.
- the coring assembly is the equipment that is attached to the drill string in place of a drilling tool.
- the entire system can be constructed or assembled off-site. On-site installation time is greatly reduced saving rig time.
- the coring assembly may have an attachment end for attachment to a drill string.
- the signal transmitter may be located below the attachment end in order to provide a passage for a ball dropped down a central annulus of the drill string to reach the coring assembly.
- the signal transmitters located below assembly of the coring assembly.
- a ball may be lowered/dropped down a central annulus of a drill string to the coring assembly in order to activate a Full Closure type Systems (FCS).
- FCS Full Closure type Systems
- This location of the signal transmitter enables activation of an FCS system by means of dropping a ball.
- the signal transmitter to be used in conjunction with an FCS system which is necessary for capturing core sample from an unconsolidated formation.
- the signal transmitter may be located above said sensor.
- the signal transmitter may be co-axial with the coring assembly.
- the signal transmitter may be used pulser electrically coupled to said sensor.
- the coring assembly may have an inner barrel and an outer barrel, and the mud pulser may be located in the inner barrel.
- Drilling fluid after passing through the mud pulser, may be passed to an annulus between the inner barrel and the outer barrel through an opening in the inner barrel.
- An electrical adaptor may be positioned in the inner barrel for activating the mud pulser, the adaptor being located below the mud pulser to block flow of drilling fluid down the inner barrel.
- the adaptor is a download adaptor, which preferably provides an external port for electrical connection to download data from electronics,
- the signal transmitter may be pre-install in the coring assembly.
- the sensor may detect and signal at least one of core entry, core capture, core jamming, and core fall out.
- the sensor may include:
- a core sample marker which rests, in use; on the top of a drilled core sample within the coring assembly, a cable connected at a first end thereof to the core sample marker, a cable tensioner located above the core sample marker to apply tension to the cable, and a cable movement detector, wherein as the drilled sample moves upwardly relative to the coring assembly, the cable tensioner draws the cable upwardly relative to the coring assembly and the cable movement detector determined the length of the cable drawn up, thereby providing information regarding the distance travelled by the core sample marker.
- a further aspect of the present invention provides a coring assembly for attachment to a drill string, the coring assembly including a signal transmitter for transmitting a signal to the surface, the signal indicative of one or more down-the-hole coring parameters detected by at least one sensor connected to the signal transmitter.
- the coring assembly may have an attachment end for attachment to the drill string, the signal transmitter being located below the attachment end.
- the signal transmitter may be located below a swivel assembly of the coring assembly.
- the signal transmitter may be located above said sensor.
- the signal transmitter may be or includes a mud pulser.
- a further aspect of the present invention provides a method of monitoring coring operations, including the steps of:
- the coring assembly may have an attachment end for attachment to a drill string, the signal transmitter may be located below the attachment end, and the method may further include: dropping a ball down a central annulus of the drill string such that the ball reaches the coring assembly to activate a full closure system.
- the signal transmitter may be or includes a mud pulser.
- the method may include: directing drilling fluid to pass through the mud pulser to an annulus between an inner barrel and an outer barrel of the coring assembly.
- the method may include blocking the drilling fluid from flowing down the inner barrel by an adaptor located below the mud pulser.
- the core sample progresses into the inner barrel as the drill advances into the ground.
- hydraulic lock or at least an unwanted pressure increase can happen, for example, if the material of the core sample is unconsolidated, sandy, soft, possibly oily or shale like, or swells, or is otherwise a tight fit within the inner barrel. This causes a seal around the core sample.
- FCS Full Closure Type System
- any fluid such as ground water or drilling mud trapped on top of the core sample will start to be compressed as the core sample advances into the bore of the inner barrel.
- the steel ball (or other valve provided) can lift to release such pressure above the core sample, allow the core sample to continue advancing into the inner barrel, and allow the excess fluid to escape.
- Such hydraulic lock can prevent further advancement of the core sample into the inner barrel, resulting in an incomplete core sample, possibly a need to remove the drillstring to clear the problem, or a reduction in drilling fluid/mud pressure (which may affect drilling progress, increase drill bit wear or result in chippings not being carried to the surface or clogging at the drill bit or other at other parts of the down hole tools.
- a further aspect of the present invention provides a core barrel pressure relief valve to relieve excess pressure from within a core barrel of a core sample drilling operation, the pressure relief valve opening when pressure within the core barrel exceeds pressure between inner and outer barrels of the drilling operation.
- the core barrel pressure relief valve is provided in a relief valve adapter for positioning in an inner barrel housing of a drill string between a signal transmitter, such as a mud pulse unit, and a core limit recording/recognition system.
- a signal transmitter such as a mud pulse unit
- the core barrel pressure relief valve includes at least one outlet port exiting to an annulus between the inner and outer barrels of the drilling operation.
- the relief valve adapter may include electrical connection to electronics of the core limit recording/recognition system.
- the electrical connection may include connection to a mud pulse unit, such as for transmitting via the mud pulse unit signals relating to the successful entry of the core sample into the inner core barrel.
- the pressure relief valve may act as a one way or check valve, preventing drilling fluid/mud entering into the inner core barrel.
- a valve may include a ball valve having a ball and valve seat.
- Another aspect of the present invention provides an adapter for use with an inner barrel assembly of a core sample drilling operation, the adapter including a pressure relief valve to release excess pressure from within an inner core barrel that receives a core sample.
- the adapter may be provided between in an inner barrel housing of a drill string between a mud pulse unit and the core sample.
- FIG. 1 illustrates a sectional view of a system for monitoring coring operations according to one embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 2 illustrates a sectional view of a system for monitoring coring operations according to a further embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention highlighting near drill bit stabilisation, sensing and signal communication to electronics further up the barrel.
- FIG. 4 illustrates a further embodiment of the present invention providing a check valve arrangement allowing pressure relief/flow control.
- FIG. 5 shows a cross section an example of an adapter with check valve porting according to an embodiment of the present invention
- the coring assembly 10 includes an annular coring bit 16 attached to an outer barrel 12 , the outer barrel 12 connected to the OD of a top sub 20 through a stabiliser 28 , and an inner barrel 14 positioned inside the outer barrel 12 , the inner barrel 14 connected to the ID of the top sub 20 through a swivel assembly 22 .
- the coring assembly 10 is connected to the end drill pipe 50 of a drill string by means of a threading engagement between the top sub 20 and the drill pipe 50 .
- the swivel assembly 22 has a radial bearing 24 .
- the OD of the bearing 24 is connected to the top sub 20 .
- the ID of the bearing 24 is connected to the inner barrel 14 through a center pipe 26 of the swivel assembly 22 .
- the inner barrel 14 is thus restricted from rotating when torque is transmitted through the drill pipe 50 .
- the torque and thrust on coring bit 16 causes the coring assembly 10 to penetrate the formation.
- a core sample 62 slightly smaller than the ID of the annular coring bit 16 enters the inner barrel 14 .
- the inner barrel 14 is provided with a core catcher 18 which may be spring loaded. Once the inner barrel 14 is filled with core sample 62 , rotation of the core bit 16 is stopped and the drill string is lifted. The core catcher 18 helps break the core sample 62 from the formation upon lifting of the coring assembly 10 .
- a sensor 34 for measuring coring parameters in a down-the-hole coring assembly and producing an indicative signal is provided in the inner barrel 14 .
- the sensor 34 is as described in WO 2011020141 Al. Of course, other type of sensor may be used instead.
- the sensor 34 detects and signals at least one of core entry, core capture, core jamming, and core fall out.
- a signal transmitter for transmitting signals from the sensor 34 to the surface, is provided in the coring assembly 10 .
- the mud pulser 30 is located in the inner barrel 14 .
- the mud pulser 30 is positioned above the sensor 34 and below the swivel assembly 22 .
- the mud pulser is co-axial with the coring assembly 10 , in particular with the inner barrel 14 .
- the mud pulser 30 used as per standard Mud Pulse Telemetry (MPT) systems. Coded pressure spikes caused by opening and closing of mud pulser valve travel through the drill string to surface.
- MPT Mud Pulse Telemetry
- the pulse signals are decoded into useful information which helps determine whether the core sample 62 is entering the inner barrel 14 , inside the inner barrel 14 or fallen out of the inner barrel 14 .
- the information received is as per the information sent by the sensor 34 .
- Drilling fluid of ‘mud’ is pumped down the drill string 50 such that it passes through the top sub 20 , enters the center pipe 26 of the swivel assembly 22 , then into the inner barrel 14 , through the mud pulser 30 , then out of an opening 15 in the inner barrel into the annulus between the inner barrel 14 and the outer barrel 12 , and then out of the ports 19 in the core bit 16 .
- the drilling mud along with drill cuttings is returned to the surface from the annulus between the drill string 50 and the borehole wall 60 .
- the direction of the drilling mud is indicated by the arrows having reference numeral 40 .
- the openings in the coring assembly 10 situated above the mud pulser must be closed off in order to prevent unnecessary pressure drop in the drilling mud and incorrect mud pulse signalling.
- the fluid column above the mud pulser 30 needs to be ‘solid’.
- an opening below the mud pulser 30 , in the inner barrel 14 will need to be made for retro-fitting.
- the mud pulser 30 is electrically connected to the sensor 34 through an adaptor 32 .
- the adaptor 32 is positioned between the sensor 34 and the mud pulser 30 , and below the opening 15 .
- the adaptor 32 prevents the drilling muds from being passed down the inner barrel 14 , thereby protecting the sensor 34 and also creating space for the core sample 62 to be received in the inner barrel 14 .
- the adaptor 34 has an electrical port on its outer periphery which can be accessed from outside the inner barrel 14 . The electrical port is used for activating the mud pulser 30 and also for downloading the sensor data for verification after the coring assembly 10 is returned to the surface.
- FCS Full Closure Type System
- a FCS system has mechanism which seals above the inner barrel 14 , after, core is fully within the inner barrel 14 , so that the captured core does not slip out of inner barrel 14 .
- the FCS system is activated by dropping a ball 36 down the drill pipe 50 such that the ball 36 either rests on the top portion of the swivel assembly 22 or in the center pipe 26 . Once the ball 36 is in the swivel assembly 22 , the flow of drilling muds is restricted.
- FCS system One way of activating the FCS system s to shear a pin to seal the lower portion of the inner barrel 14 .
- the mud pulser 34 is a negative or continuous wave mud pulser.
- the signal transmitter is a device other than a mud pulsar, for example an electro-magnetic telemetry system, an active or passive acoustics transmission system, or a fluid vortex system.
- the signal transmitter in the coring assembly is connected to other sensors, the information of which would be useful to the operator in real time (rather than recorded and obtained after retrieving the drill string to the surface).
- sensors are gamma ray, resistivity sensors which provide information relating to the formation such as whether the formation is filled with oil or water, etc.
- the present invention applicable to FCS type systems including mechanical and collapsible shoe FCS.
- the present application is applicable to axial coring as well as side wall coring.
- One or more stabilisers e.g. stabilisers 70 , 72 can be provided on the external surface of the outer barrel 12 .
- Stabilisers can include wear resistant material, such as tungsten carbide e.g. in the form of tungsten carbide inserts in a steel body of the stabiliser.
- the stabiliser acts to maintain the drill bit centralised within the bore and acts to prevent lateral vibration/movement of the drill bit during drilling/coring, which helps to prevent premature breakage of the core from the rock.
- the lowermost stabiliser 70 is provided immediately above the drill bit.
- a stabiliser preferably the lowermost stabiliser, can be instrumented with at least one in-stabiliser sensor 80 .
- the at least one in-stabiliser sensor can include one or more sensors 80 (aka ‘at bit sensors’ due to their relative proximity to the drill bit), such as logging-while-drilling (LWD) sensors, one or more vibration sensors, one or more temperature sensors, one or more pressure sensors, one or more radiation sensors (such as gamma radiation sensing), one or more weight-on-bit (WOB) sensors, one or more torque and/or rpm sensors, one or more gravity and/or magnetic field sensors, or any combination of two or more of such sensors.
- sensors 80 such as ‘at bit sensors’ due to their relative proximity to the drill bit
- sensors 80 such as logging-while-drilling (LWD) sensors, one or more vibration sensors, one or more temperature sensors, one or more pressure sensors, one or more radiation sensors (such as gamma radiation sensing), one or more weight-on-bit (WOB) sensors, one or more torque and/or rpm sensors, one or more gravity and/or magnetic field sensors, or any combination of two or more of
- the signal(s) relating to downhole parameters sensed by the in-stabiliser sensor(s) can be transferred a distance uphole to a signal transmitter 30 (e.g. mud pulse system).
- a signal transmitter 30 e.g. mud pulse system
- One or more additional (intermediate) stabilisers 72 between the lowermost stabiliser 70 adjacent the drill bit can be used to ‘hop’ (communicate) the sensed signal(s) relating to the sensed parameters to the signal transmitter.
- additional communication means can be provided within the intermediate stabiliser(s).
- the additional or intermediate stabiliser can be included as part of a short hop sub.
- Power for such, communication can be provided by energy harvesting during drilling operations, such as from vibration and/or rotation, or by battery or by wired connection to a power supply.
- signal(s) from the lowermost stabiliser 70 is/are received by an interface 74 which communicates to the signal transmitter/CLRS (core limit registration/recognition system).
- CLRS core limit registration/recognition system
- the interface 74 can include one or more further stabilisers. Communication between the interface and the signal transmitter can be by way of induction or sliding contact electrical conduction to cross the gap between the outer barrel 12 and the electronics in the signal transmitter/CLRS system within the inner barrel 14 .
- a system of one or more embodiments of the present invention can include an induction communication means 82 acting between the outer barrel and the signal transmitter/CLRS within the inner barrel.
- the signal transmitter such as a mud pulser, then relays the sensed parameters to the surface, along with any measurement while drilling (MWD) data.
- MWD measurement while drilling
- FIG. 3 highlights the near bit stabiliser(s) 70 provided on the outer barrel.
- Optional intermediate stabiliser(s) 72 may be provided between the near bit stabiliser(s) and one or more stabiliser(s) 74 adjacent the electronics relating to the CLRS/mud pulse unit.
- Each of the stabilisers 70 , 72 , 74 can include at least one sensor sensor and/or signal relay function 80 , 81 , 82 .
- the sensor(s) 80 at the near bit stabiliser 70 may be embedded in or mounted on the respective stabiliser.
- Signals from the near bit sensor(s) 80 relating to downhole parameters/measurements can be communicated to a receiver further up the barrel at the next or further stabiliser 72 , 74 .
- Such signal communication can be wireless, as represented by the curved dashed arrows between stabiliser sensor/communicators 80 , 81 , 82 , or can be through the material of the outer barrel, such as by electrical conduction, represented by the straight dashed arrows within the cross section side wall of the outer barrel in FIG. 3 .
- Signals from the sensor/communicator 82 adjacent the CLRS/mud pulser can be communicated to the electronics relating to the CLRS/mud pulser by induction across the gap between the inner and outer barrels.
- a physical electrically conductive connection can be provided across that gap. For example, by a sliding rotary electrical contact maintaining electrical connection as the outer barrel rotates with the drill bit and the inner barrel remains generally non-rotating.
- a further form of the present invention provides at least one check valve/one way valve 92 allowing pressure relief/fluid flow one way from the annulus between the core limit registration/recognition system and the inside facing wall of the inner barrel 14 .
- the check valve(s)/one way valve(s) 92 can be provided as part of a download/check valve adapter/sub 90 mounted between the signal transmitter (such as a mud pulser) and the core limit recognition/registration system (CLRS).
- the signal transmitter such as a mud pulser
- CLRS core limit recognition/registration system
- the adapter/sub 90 can include a first threaded connection 91 to connect to the drillstring or mud pulser, and a second threaded connection 93 for connection to the core barrel.
- the one way valve check valve 92 can include an inlet 94 from the inner core barrel, a valve seat 96 , a ball 98 to seat against the valve seat when pressure in the annulus exceeds pressure in the inner core barrel and to lift when pressure in the inner core barrel exceeds pressure in the annulus.
- One or more ports 100 lead from the one-way valve/check valve 92 to the annulus. Therefore, excess pressure and therefore drilling fluid/mud from above the core sample within the inner core barrel can be fed back into the flow of drilling fluid/mud in the annulus flowing to the drill bit (and which is returned to the surface with chippings via the space between the outer barrel and the bore. Dashed arrows shown in FIG. 5 represent flow of such excess fluid from the ports 100 of the check valve 92 .
- Data can be communicated to/from the CURS electronics and sensor(s) via a download port 102 connected to the wiring harness/electrical connections 104 within a space 106 in the adapter/sub 90 .
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Abstract
Description
- The present invention relates to a device and to a system for use in monitoring coring operations.
- Wells are generally drilled into the ground or ocean bed to recover natural deposits of oil and gas, as well as other desirable materials that are trapped in geological formations in the Earth's crust. Wells are typically drilled using a drill bit attached to the lower end of a “drill string”.
- Drilling fluid, or mud, is typically pumped down through the drill string to the drill bit. The drilling fluid lubricates and cools the drill bit, and carries drill cuttings from the borehole back to the surface.
- In various oil and gas exploration operations, it is beneficial to have information about the subsurface formations that are penetrated by a borehole created by the passage of the drill bit. These measurements may be essential to predicting the production capacity and production lifetime of the subsurface formation.
- Samples may need to be taken of the formation rock within the borehole. A coring tool is used to take a coring sample of the formation rock within the borehole.
- A typical coring tool usually includes a hollow coring bit which comprises an annular cylindrical cutting surface. The coring tool penetrates into the formation such that a coring sample enters in a hollow cylindrical section. When the hollow center of the coring tool is filled with the core sample, the coring tool is brought to the earth's surface to retrieve the core sample for analysis.
- The sample is analysed to assess, amongst other things, the reservoir storage capacity (porosity) and the permeability of the material that makes, up the formation surrounding the borehole, such as the chemical and mineral composition of the fluids and mineral deposits contained in the pores of the formation. The information obtained from analysis of a core sample may be used to make exploitation decisions.
- Downhole coring operations are generally axial ring or sidewall coring.
- In axial coring, the coring tool is disposed at the end of a drill string within a borehole, in which the coring tool may be used to collect a coring sample at the bottom of the borehole.
- In sidewall coring, the coring bit from the coring tool may extend radlially from the coring tool, in which the coring tool may be used to collect a coring sample from a side wall of the borehole.
- An axial coring tool is an assembly of an inner barrel, an outer barrel and an annular core bit located at a core engaging end of the coring tool. Located opposite to the core engaging end is an attachment end of the coring tool.
- At the attachment end of the coring tool, the inner barrel and the outer barrel are connected to a top sub. The outer barrel is connected to the outer diameter (OD) of the top sub through a stabiliser. The inner barrel is connected to the inner diameter (ID) of the top sub through a swivel assembly.
- The swivel assembly includes a bearing which restricts the inner barrel from rotating when the outer barrel is rotated by the rotating the drill pipe/string. The top sub is connected to the end of the drill string through a threaded connection.
- Drilling fluid or mud is pumped down the center of the drill pipes which form a drill string. Upon reaching the coring assembly, the drilling fluid passes through the inner barrel as well as the annulus between the inner barrel and the outer barrel.
- The drilling fluid exits through the inner barrel and the ports in the core bit. The drilling fluid is, passed through the inner barrel to clear the inner barrel. The drilling fluid is passed through the annulus between the inner barrel and the outer barrel and out of the ports of the coring bit in order to cool and lubricate the coring bit.
- The drilling fluid is returned to the surface from the annulus between the coring tool/drill pipes and the bore hole. The returning drilling fluid ca with it formation cuttings from the drilled hole.
- Prior to commencing coring, in typical applications a steel ball is dropped down the drill pipe such that it rests in the swivel assembly in order to block flow of fluids to the inner barrel and divert flow to maintain the flow of fluid in the annulus between the inner barrel and the outer barrel. The steel ball is captured in a lower portion center pipe of the swivel assembly (lower portion being below the bearing of the swivel assembly), just above the inner barrel.
- The steel ball when in position at the swivel assembly creates a one-way valve to allow fluid/pressure build-up within the inner core barrel during coring to be relieved, but to prevent fluid passing down into the inner core barrel during such coring.
- The coring assembly is positioned at the surface of the formation from where the formation sample is to be obtained. The core bit is rotated by rotating the outer barrel which may be rotated by rotating drill pipe. The inner barrel is kept stationary. The rotation of the core bit and the weight on bit causes the coring tool to penetrate the formation. A core sample, positioned between in the annulus of the core bit, enters the inner barrel as the coring tool advances into the formation. Once the inner barrel is filled with core samples rotation of the core bit is ceased.
- A core catcher, in some instances spring loaded, grips the core sample from below the inner barrel. As the coring tool is lifted, the core sample breaks just below the core catcher. The coring assembly is then pulled out of the hole to the surface to retrieve the core sample.
- For unconsolidated formations, such as heavy oil sands, which present a risk of sliding out of the inner barrel during the travel to surface, a full closure type system (FCS) is deployed. An FCS system has a mechanism which seals the bottom of the inner barrel, for example by a collapsible shoe or mechanically activating the closure or sealing the bottom of the core, so that the captured core does not slip out of inner barrel. In a mechanical or collapsible shoe mechanism, once the inner tube is filled with core sample, the shoe collapses or seals blocking the bottom portion of the inner tube to prevent the core sample from sliding out of the inner tube. Such sealing mechanisms may replace the core catcher.
- If an FCS or alternative system is used, a further steel ball which is dropped down the drill string has a second important function. Apart from acting as a one-way valve blocking flow of mud down the inner barrel, this second steel ball activates the FCS mechanism or alternative system to activate and seal the lower portion of the inner barrel preventing core from falling out of the core barrel.
- Such standard coring methods provide no feedback, to the operator. The operator has only an ambiguous indication of whether the core column is entering the inner barrel, inside the inner barrel, or has fallen out of the barrel. If the operator's judgement is incorrect, the coring operation can become extremely expensive and time consuming.
- For example, if the operator considers that the core sample is in the inner barrel, when in fact the core sample has fallen out, the reality is only confirmed after the coring tool is retrieved to the surface.
- Anotherexample of incorrect functioning of the coring tool is ‘core jamming’. The core formation can jam inside the inner barrel such that further core does not enter the inner barrel while the coring tool is working on the formation. If undetected, the core bit will merely mill the formation without obtaining full core.
- Also, the coring equipment may get damaged because of core jamming. The time taken for retrieving the coring tool and a second round of coring is a few days on the rig.
- As an estimate, the additional time spent due to the delay, in present day terms, amounts to millions of dollars of costs.
- One or two drill operators have used expensive sensors in conjunction with a Mud Pulse Telemetry (MPT) system to provide feedback to the operator. Such sensors detect core capture and/or core fall out and provide a signal to a mud pulser which transmits the signal to the surface.
- One such sensor is described in WO 2011020141 Al published on 24 Feb. 2011. The contents of WO 2011020141 Al are incorporated in their entirety in this patent application by reference.
- The MPT system is a common method of data transmission used for Measuring While Drilling (MWD) tools. Down hole, a valve or a mud pulser” is operated to restrict the flow of the drilling mud according to the digital information to be transmitted. This creates pressure fluctuations representing the information. The pressure fluctuations propagate within the drilling fluid towards the surface where they are received from pressure sensors. On the surface, the received pressure signals are processed by computers to reconstruct the information.
- The three types of MPT systems are positive pulse, negative pulse and continuous wave.
- Positive MPT uses a hydraulic poppet valve to momentarily restrict the flow of mud through an orifice in the drill pipe to generate an increase in pressure in the form of positive pulse or pressure wave which travels back to the surface to be detected.
- Negative MPT uses a controlled valve to vent mud momentarily from the interior of the drill pipe into the annulus between the drill pipe and the bore hole. This process generated a decrease in pressure in the form of a negative pulse or pressure wave which travels back to the surface to be detected.
- Continuous wave telemetry uses a rotary valve or “mud siren” with a slotted rotor and stator which restricts the mud flow in such a way as to generate a modulating positive pressure wave which travels back to the surface to be detected.
- There are other types of telemetry systems such as electro-magnetic (EM) system and induction system. An EM system applies voltage into the earth's crust, using it as a conductor. An EM system is cheaper than mud pulse system. However, an EM system is not suitable for use offshore where the EM signal does not pass through water. An induction system is suitable for use offshore. However, an induction system uses proprietary drill pipes having end connections to transmit signals from one drill pipe to another, and wired connection between two end connections of a drill pipe. These specialised drill pipes are expensive and in most operations they are cost prohibitive.
- A standard MPT system is primarily designed for a drilling operation and not for coring operation. During drilling, the mud pulser is installed proximate to the drill bit.
- Likewise, one or two operators (mentioned earlier) who have used sensors in conjunction with MPT have installed such mud pulser adjacent to the coring tool assembly. To do so, the sensors were placed in the coring assembly. An adjustable electrical coupling, connected to the sensors, protrudes out of the swivel assembly of the coring tool.
- A plurality of flow subs that are designed specially for the mud pulser to operate are held above the coring tool having the sensors. These flow subs are different to regular drill pipes which form the drill string. The flow subs are made to suit the function of the mud pulser.
- The electrical connection is made between the sensors and the mud purser. The flow subs are lowered and screwed into the core assembly. Once assembled, the mud pulser is turned on via a download port provided on the periphery of one of the flow subs. Subsequently, the drill pipes are attached to the end of the mud pulser flow subs to form a drill string.
- Once drilling fluid is pumped down the drill string, the purser relays data from the sensors to the top of the drill string. The drilling fluid passes through the mud pulser to the coring tool.
- There are many difficulties with this methodology.
- Firstly, it is difficult to physically connect the adjustable electrical coupling of the sensor protruding from the coring assembly to the expandable electric coupling of the mud pulser.
- It is very difficult to make the connection physically particularly on an off-shore rig because the platform of the off-shore rig is not steady. The person making the electrical connection has to place his hands between the core assembly and the heavy flow subs of the mud pulser suspended above the core assembly. This installation method increases the risk of accidents on the rig.
- Secondly, the flow subs used with mud pulser are heavy and expensive because of their thickness and proprietary design. The proprietary flow subs are designed to be used with a mud pulser. They form a part of the Bottom Hole Assembly (BHA) and so they need to be thick in order to provide sufficient weight on the coring bit. This adds to the capital costs of the rig.
- Thirdly, the flow subs of the mud pulser require a lot of critical maintenance. Particularly, their end threads need to be inspected after every job by a service company who provides the mud pulser. Such external inspections are expensive.
- Further, the additional connections of flow subs required using existing method can increase the chance of tool failures. This adds to the cost of coring operation.
- Also, time spent on-site on installing the MPT system and maintaining it adds to the cost of operating the drill rig.
- Finally, an FCS system is not useable with such a system because it is not possible to drop a ball to the swivel assembly of a coring tool as the mud pulser blocks the passage of the ball.
- So it is not possible to use the currently available FCS type systems in the aforementioned method.
- It is desirable to provide a system for monitoring coring operations which:
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- is able to reliably signal coring parameters to the operator,
- has reduced on-site assembly time and risk, and
- can be used in conjunction with FCS type systems.
- With the aforementioned problems in mind, in one aspect the present invention provides a system for monitoring coring operations including: a sensor for detecting one or more coring parameters in a down-the-hole coring assembly and producing an indicative signal, and a signal transmitter connected to the sensor for transmitting said indicative signal to the surface, wherein the signal transmitter is located in the coring assembly.
- In the context of the present invention, a coring assembly is the equipment attached to a drill string for obtaining a core sample of the formation. In many instances, the coring assembly is the equipment that is attached to the drill string in place of a drilling tool.
- By locating the signal transmitter in the coring assembly the entire system can be constructed or assembled off-site. On-site installation time is greatly reduced saving rig time.
- Also, risks associated with on-site installation are also reduced. For example, there is no need to physically make an electrical connection between the coring assembly and the heavy signal transmitter assembly suspended from above.
- Further, there is no need to use the heavy, expensive, and difficult to maintain flow subs which are normally associated particularly with Mud Pulse Telemetry (MPT).
- The coring assembly may have an attachment end for attachment to a drill string.
- The signal transmitter may be located below the attachment end in order to provide a passage for a ball dropped down a central annulus of the drill string to reach the coring assembly.
- Preferably, the signal transmitters located below assembly of the coring assembly.
- Further preferably, a ball may be lowered/dropped down a central annulus of a drill string to the coring assembly in order to activate a Full Closure type Systems (FCS).
- This location of the signal transmitter enables activation of an FCS system by means of dropping a ball. Thus allowing the signal transmitter to be used in conjunction with an FCS system which is necessary for capturing core sample from an unconsolidated formation.
- The signal transmitter may be located above said sensor.
- The signal transmitter may be co-axial with the coring assembly.
- The signal transmitter may be used pulser electrically coupled to said sensor.
- The coring assembly may have an inner barrel and an outer barrel, and the mud pulser may be located in the inner barrel.
- Drilling fluid, after passing through the mud pulser, may be passed to an annulus between the inner barrel and the outer barrel through an opening in the inner barrel.
- An electrical adaptor may be positioned in the inner barrel for activating the mud pulser, the adaptor being located below the mud pulser to block flow of drilling fluid down the inner barrel. Preferably, the adaptor is a download adaptor, which preferably provides an external port for electrical connection to download data from electronics,
- The signal transmitter may be pre-install in the coring assembly.
- The sensor may detect and signal at least one of core entry, core capture, core jamming, and core fall out.
- The sensor may include:
- a core sample marker which rests, in use; on the top of a drilled core sample within the coring assembly,
a cable connected at a first end thereof to the core sample marker,
a cable tensioner located above the core sample marker to apply tension to the cable, and
a cable movement detector,
wherein as the drilled sample moves upwardly relative to the coring assembly, the cable tensioner draws the cable upwardly relative to the coring assembly and the cable movement detector determined the length of the cable drawn up, thereby providing information regarding the distance travelled by the core sample marker. - A further aspect of the present invention provides a coring assembly for attachment to a drill string, the coring assembly including a signal transmitter for transmitting a signal to the surface, the signal indicative of one or more down-the-hole coring parameters detected by at least one sensor connected to the signal transmitter.
- The coring assembly may have an attachment end for attachment to the drill string, the signal transmitter being located below the attachment end.
- The signal transmitter may be located below a swivel assembly of the coring assembly.
- The signal transmitter may be located above said sensor.
- The signal transmitter may be or includes a mud pulser.
- A further aspect of the present invention provides a method of monitoring coring operations, including the steps of:
- detecting one or more down-the-hole coring parameters by a sensor positioned down-the-hole,
producing a signal indicative of the one more coring parameters,
transmitting said indicative signal to the surface by means of a signal transmitter positioned in a coring assembly. - The coring assembly may have an attachment end for attachment to a drill string, the signal transmitter may be located below the attachment end, and the method may further include: dropping a ball down a central annulus of the drill string such that the ball reaches the coring assembly to activate a full closure system.
- The signal transmitter may be or includes a mud pulser. The method may include: directing drilling fluid to pass through the mud pulser to an annulus between an inner barrel and an outer barrel of the coring assembly.
- The method may include blocking the drilling fluid from flowing down the inner barrel by an adaptor located below the mud pulser.
- The core sample progresses into the inner barrel as the drill advances into the ground. In some circumstances, it is possible for hydraulic lock or at least an unwanted pressure increase to occur above the core sample. This can happen, for example, if the material of the core sample is unconsolidated, sandy, soft, possibly oily or shale like, or swells, or is otherwise a tight fit within the inner barrel. This causes a seal around the core sample.
- In a Full Closure Type System (FCS—as previously described), the steel ball (or other valve device) seals the inner barrel from the flow of drilling fluid/mud pumped down the central bore of the drillstring. This FCS system aims to prevent the core sample slipping back out of the inner barrel when the drillstring is removed from the bore.
- However, with the steel ball creating a one way valve above the core sample, any fluid, such as ground water or drilling mud trapped on top of the core sample will start to be compressed as the core sample advances into the bore of the inner barrel.
- Ordinarily the steel ball (or other valve provided) can lift to release such pressure above the core sample, allow the core sample to continue advancing into the inner barrel, and allow the excess fluid to escape.
- However, if the pressure of drilling mud/fluid above the steel ball valve is greater than the excess pressure above the core sample and below the steel ball valve, hydraulic lock can occur.
- Such hydraulic lock can prevent further advancement of the core sample into the inner barrel, resulting in an incomplete core sample, possibly a need to remove the drillstring to clear the problem, or a reduction in drilling fluid/mud pressure (which may affect drilling progress, increase drill bit wear or result in chippings not being carried to the surface or clogging at the drill bit or other at other parts of the down hole tools.
- Consequently, there is a need for a device which helps to relieve or prevent such pressure build-up from above the core sample.
- With this in mind, a further aspect of the present invention provides a core barrel pressure relief valve to relieve excess pressure from within a core barrel of a core sample drilling operation, the pressure relief valve opening when pressure within the core barrel exceeds pressure between inner and outer barrels of the drilling operation.
- Preferably the core barrel pressure relief valve is provided in a relief valve adapter for positioning in an inner barrel housing of a drill string between a signal transmitter, such as a mud pulse unit, and a core limit recording/recognition system.
- More preferably, the core barrel pressure relief valve includes at least one outlet port exiting to an annulus between the inner and outer barrels of the drilling operation.
- The relief valve adapter may include electrical connection to electronics of the core limit recording/recognition system. The electrical connection may include connection to a mud pulse unit, such as for transmitting via the mud pulse unit signals relating to the successful entry of the core sample into the inner core barrel.
- The pressure relief valve may act as a one way or check valve, preventing drilling fluid/mud entering into the inner core barrel. Such a valve may include a ball valve having a ball and valve seat.
- Another aspect of the present invention provides an adapter for use with an inner barrel assembly of a core sample drilling operation, the adapter including a pressure relief valve to release excess pressure from within an inner core barrel that receives a core sample.
- The adapter may be provided between in an inner barrel housing of a drill string between a mud pulse unit and the core sample.
- The present disclosure is best understood from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment when read with the accompanying figure. It is emphasized that, in accordance with the standard practice in the industry, various features are not drawn to scale. In fact, the dimensions of the various features may be arbitrarily increased or reduced for clarity of discussion.
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FIG. 1 illustrates a sectional view of a system for monitoring coring operations according to one embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 2 illustrates a sectional view of a system for monitoring coring operations according to a further embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention highlighting near drill bit stabilisation, sensing and signal communication to electronics further up the barrel. -
FIG. 4 illustrates a further embodiment of the present invention providing a check valve arrangement allowing pressure relief/flow control. -
FIG. 5 shows a cross section an example of an adapter with check valve porting according to an embodiment of the present invention - Referring to
FIG. 1 , the coring assembly 10 includes anannular coring bit 16 attached to anouter barrel 12, theouter barrel 12 connected to the OD of atop sub 20 through astabiliser 28, and aninner barrel 14 positioned inside theouter barrel 12, theinner barrel 14 connected to the ID of thetop sub 20 through aswivel assembly 22. The coring assembly 10 is connected to theend drill pipe 50 of a drill string by means of a threading engagement between thetop sub 20 and thedrill pipe 50. - As the
drill pipe 50 is rotated, torque is transmitted to thecoring bit 16 through thetop sub 20, thestabiliser 28 and theouter barrel 12. Theswivel assembly 22 has aradial bearing 24. The OD of thebearing 24 is connected to thetop sub 20. The ID of thebearing 24 is connected to theinner barrel 14 through acenter pipe 26 of theswivel assembly 22. Theinner barrel 14 is thus restricted from rotating when torque is transmitted through thedrill pipe 50. - The torque and thrust on coring
bit 16 causes the coring assembly 10 to penetrate the formation. As the coring assembly 10 advances in the formation, acore sample 62 slightly smaller than the ID of theannular coring bit 16 enters theinner barrel 14. - The
inner barrel 14 is provided with acore catcher 18 which may be spring loaded. Once theinner barrel 14 is filled withcore sample 62, rotation of thecore bit 16 is stopped and the drill string is lifted. Thecore catcher 18 helps break thecore sample 62 from the formation upon lifting of the coring assembly 10. - A
sensor 34 for measuring coring parameters in a down-the-hole coring assembly and producing an indicative signal is provided in theinner barrel 14. As referenced earlier, thesensor 34 is as described in WO 2011020141 Al. Of course, other type of sensor may be used instead. Thesensor 34 detects and signals at least one of core entry, core capture, core jamming, and core fall out. - A signal transmitter, particularly a
mud pulser 30, for transmitting signals from thesensor 34 to the surface, is provided in the coring assembly 10. Particularly, themud pulser 30 is located in theinner barrel 14. Themud pulser 30 is positioned above thesensor 34 and below theswivel assembly 22. The mud pulser is co-axial with the coring assembly 10, in particular with theinner barrel 14. - The
mud pulser 30 used as per standard Mud Pulse Telemetry (MPT) systems. Coded pressure spikes caused by opening and closing of mud pulser valve travel through the drill string to surface. - At the surface i.e. at the top of the drill string, the pulse signals are decoded into useful information which helps determine whether the
core sample 62 is entering theinner barrel 14, inside theinner barrel 14 or fallen out of theinner barrel 14. The information received is as per the information sent by thesensor 34. - Drilling fluid of ‘mud’ is pumped down the
drill string 50 such that it passes through thetop sub 20, enters thecenter pipe 26 of theswivel assembly 22, then into theinner barrel 14, through themud pulser 30, then out of an opening 15 in the inner barrel into the annulus between theinner barrel 14 and theouter barrel 12, and then out of the ports 19 in thecore bit 16. The drilling mud along with drill cuttings is returned to the surface from the annulus between thedrill string 50 and theborehole wall 60. The direction of the drilling mud is indicated by the arrows havingreference numeral 40. - If the present system is to be retro-fitted in an existing coring assembly 10, the openings in the coring assembly 10 situated above the mud pulser must be closed off in order to prevent unnecessary pressure drop in the drilling mud and incorrect mud pulse signalling. There may be such openings, for example, in the
center pipe 26 and swivel bearing 24 which need to be sealed off. The fluid column above themud pulser 30 needs to be ‘solid’. Also, an opening below themud pulser 30, in theinner barrel 14, will need to be made for retro-fitting. - The
mud pulser 30 is electrically connected to thesensor 34 through an adaptor 32. The adaptor 32 is positioned between thesensor 34 and themud pulser 30, and below the opening 15. The adaptor 32 prevents the drilling muds from being passed down theinner barrel 14, thereby protecting thesensor 34 and also creating space for thecore sample 62 to be received in theinner barrel 14. Theadaptor 34 has an electrical port on its outer periphery which can be accessed from outside theinner barrel 14. The electrical port is used for activating themud pulser 30 and also for downloading the sensor data for verification after the coring assembly 10 is returned to the surface. - In an alternative embodiment, if the formation is likely to be unconsolidated for example sandy, instead of a core catcher 18 a Full Closure Type System (FCS) may be provided. As explained in the background section, a FCS system has mechanism which seals above the
inner barrel 14, after, core is fully within theinner barrel 14, so that the captured core does not slip out ofinner barrel 14. The FCS system is activated by dropping a ball 36 down thedrill pipe 50 such that the ball 36 either rests on the top portion of theswivel assembly 22 or in thecenter pipe 26. Once the ball 36 is in theswivel assembly 22, the flow of drilling muds is restricted. - Pressure created by the drilling muds in the drill string forces the
inner barrel 14 to slide downwards. The downward movement of theinner barrel 14 activates the FCS system. - One way of activating the FCS system s to shear a pin to seal the lower portion of the
inner barrel 14. - By locating the
mud pulser 30 below theswivel assembly 22, there is a passage available for the ball 36 to be dropped down thedrill pipe 50 such that it reaches theswivel assembly 22. This enables the use of MPT with an FCS system. - In a further alternative embodiment, the
mud pulser 34 is a negative or continuous wave mud pulser. - In a further alternative embodiment, the signal transmitter is a device other than a mud pulsar, for example an electro-magnetic telemetry system, an active or passive acoustics transmission system, or a fluid vortex system.
- In a further alternative embodiment, the signal transmitter in the coring assembly is connected to other sensors, the information of which would be useful to the operator in real time (rather than recorded and obtained after retrieving the drill string to the surface). Examples of such, sensors are gamma ray, resistivity sensors which provide information relating to the formation such as whether the formation is filled with oil or water, etc.
- The present invention applicable to FCS type systems including mechanical and collapsible shoe FCS.
- The present application is applicable to axial coring as well as side wall coring.
- One or more stabilisers,
e.g. stabilisers outer barrel 12. Stabilisers can include wear resistant material, such as tungsten carbide e.g. in the form of tungsten carbide inserts in a steel body of the stabiliser. The stabiliser acts to maintain the drill bit centralised within the bore and acts to prevent lateral vibration/movement of the drill bit during drilling/coring, which helps to prevent premature breakage of the core from the rock. - As shown in
FIG. 2 , thelowermost stabiliser 70 is provided immediately above the drill bit. According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, a stabiliser, preferably the lowermost stabiliser, can be instrumented with at least one in-stabiliser sensor 80. - Preferably the at least one in-stabiliser sensor can include one or more sensors 80 (aka ‘at bit sensors’ due to their relative proximity to the drill bit), such as logging-while-drilling (LWD) sensors, one or more vibration sensors, one or more temperature sensors, one or more pressure sensors, one or more radiation sensors (such as gamma radiation sensing), one or more weight-on-bit (WOB) sensors, one or more torque and/or rpm sensors, one or more gravity and/or magnetic field sensors, or any combination of two or more of such sensors.
- By wireless, wired or induction communication, the signal(s) relating to downhole parameters sensed by the in-stabiliser sensor(s) can be transferred a distance uphole to a signal transmitter 30 (e.g. mud pulse system).
- One or more additional (intermediate)
stabilisers 72 between thelowermost stabiliser 70 adjacent the drill bit can be used to ‘hop’ (communicate) the sensed signal(s) relating to the sensed parameters to the signal transmitter. - Therefore, additional communication means can be provided within the intermediate stabiliser(s). The additional or intermediate stabiliser can be included as part of a short hop sub.
- Power for such, communication can be provided by energy harvesting during drilling operations, such as from vibration and/or rotation, or by battery or by wired connection to a power supply.
- Preferably, signal(s) from the
lowermost stabiliser 70 is/are received by aninterface 74 which communicates to the signal transmitter/CLRS (core limit registration/recognition system). - The
interface 74 can include one or more further stabilisers. Communication between the interface and the signal transmitter can be by way of induction or sliding contact electrical conduction to cross the gap between theouter barrel 12 and the electronics in the signal transmitter/CLRS system within theinner barrel 14. - Thus, a system of one or more embodiments of the present invention can include an induction communication means 82 acting between the outer barrel and the signal transmitter/CLRS within the inner barrel. The signal transmitter, such as a mud pulser, then relays the sensed parameters to the surface, along with any measurement while drilling (MWD) data.
-
FIG. 3 highlights the near bit stabiliser(s) 70 provided on the outer barrel. Optional intermediate stabiliser(s) 72 may be provided between the near bit stabiliser(s) and one or more stabiliser(s) 74 adjacent the electronics relating to the CLRS/mud pulse unit. - Each of the
stabilisers signal relay function near bit stabiliser 70 may be embedded in or mounted on the respective stabiliser. - Signals from the near bit sensor(s) 80 relating to downhole parameters/measurements can be communicated to a receiver further up the barrel at the next or
further stabiliser communicators FIG. 3 . - Signals from the sensor/
communicator 82 adjacent the CLRS/mud pulser can be communicated to the electronics relating to the CLRS/mud pulser by induction across the gap between the inner and outer barrels. Alternatively, a physical electrically conductive connection can be provided across that gap. For example, by a sliding rotary electrical contact maintaining electrical connection as the outer barrel rotates with the drill bit and the inner barrel remains generally non-rotating. - As shown by way of example in
FIG. 4 and in detail inFIG. 5 (though the ball of the check valve is omitted dinFIG. 5 ), a further form of the present invention provides at least one check valve/oneway valve 92 allowing pressure relief/fluid flow one way from the annulus between the core limit registration/recognition system and the inside facing wall of theinner barrel 14. - The check valve(s)/one way valve(s) 92 can be provided as part of a download/check valve adapter/
sub 90 mounted between the signal transmitter (such as a mud pulser) and the core limit recognition/registration system (CLRS). - The adapter/
sub 90 can include a first threadedconnection 91 to connect to the drillstring or mud pulser, and a second threadedconnection 93 for connection to the core barrel. - The one way
valve check valve 92 can include aninlet 94 from the inner core barrel, avalve seat 96, aball 98 to seat against the valve seat when pressure in the annulus exceeds pressure in the inner core barrel and to lift when pressure in the inner core barrel exceeds pressure in the annulus. - One or
more ports 100 lead from the one-way valve/check valve 92 to the annulus. Therefore, excess pressure and therefore drilling fluid/mud from above the core sample within the inner core barrel can be fed back into the flow of drilling fluid/mud in the annulus flowing to the drill bit (and which is returned to the surface with chippings via the space between the outer barrel and the bore. Dashed arrows shown inFIG. 5 represent flow of such excess fluid from theports 100 of thecheck valve 92. - Data can be communicated to/from the CURS electronics and sensor(s) via a
download port 102 connected to the wiring harness/electrical connections 104 within aspace 106 in the adapter/sub 90. -
REFERENCE NUMBER TABLE No. Feature 10 Coring Assembly 12 Outer Barrel 13 Annulus between CLRS and inner barrel 14 Inner Barrel 15 Opening 16 Coring bit 18 Core catcher 19 Port 20 Core assembly top sub 22 Swivel assembly 24 Swivel bearing 26 Center pipe of the swivel assembly 28 Stabiliser 30 Signal transmitter/Mud pulser 32 Adaptor 34 Sensor 36 Illustrative location of steel ball 40 Direction of drilling fluids 50 Drill pipe/ Drill string 60 Bore hole wall 62 Core sample 70 Lowermost stabiliser 72 Additional/ Intermediate stabiliser 74 upper stabiliser 80 Stabiliser sensor(s) 81 Stabiliser sensor/ relay 82 Interface/communication means 90 Download/check valve adapter/ sub 91 Threaded connection to drillstring 92 Check valve 93 Threaded connection to core barrel 94 Valve inlet/ opening 96 Valve seat 98 Valve ball 100 Valve outlet port(s) 102 Download port 104 Wiring harness/ electrical connections 106 Space within the adapter for the wiring harness/ electrical connections
Claims (60)
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AU2014904066A AU2014904066A0 (en) | 2014-10-10 | System for monitoring coring operations | |
AU2014904066 | 2014-10-10 | ||
PCT/AU2015/050616 WO2016054698A1 (en) | 2014-10-10 | 2015-10-09 | Device and system for use in monitoring coring operations |
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US20170306713A1 true US20170306713A1 (en) | 2017-10-26 |
US10577880B2 US10577880B2 (en) | 2020-03-03 |
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US15/517,164 Active 2036-08-20 US10577880B2 (en) | 2014-10-10 | 2015-10-09 | Device and system for use in monitoring coring operations |
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US (1) | US10577880B2 (en) |
EP (1) | EP3204593B1 (en) |
AU (1) | AU2015330975B2 (en) |
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WO (1) | WO2016054698A1 (en) |
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WO2020093410A1 (en) * | 2018-11-08 | 2020-05-14 | 深圳大学 | Drilling mechanism of coring drilling rig |
US20210246747A1 (en) * | 2020-02-06 | 2021-08-12 | Professional Directional Inc. | Method and apparatus to recover cores from downhole environments |
US20220213736A1 (en) * | 2018-11-08 | 2022-07-07 | Shenzhen University | Drilling fluid channel structure of core drilling rig |
CN114991767A (en) * | 2022-07-01 | 2022-09-02 | 中国地质科学院勘探技术研究所 | Deep typical weak source gas drilling continuous in-situ sampling device and sampling method |
US11536134B2 (en) * | 2016-08-15 | 2022-12-27 | Sanvean Technologies Llc | Drilling dynamics data recorder |
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Also Published As
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CA2963280A1 (en) | 2016-04-14 |
US10577880B2 (en) | 2020-03-03 |
AU2015330975A1 (en) | 2017-05-04 |
EP3204593C0 (en) | 2023-06-07 |
EP3204593A1 (en) | 2017-08-16 |
WO2016054698A1 (en) | 2016-04-14 |
EP3204593B1 (en) | 2023-06-07 |
EP3204593A4 (en) | 2018-12-05 |
CA2963280C (en) | 2022-10-18 |
AU2015330975B2 (en) | 2020-08-27 |
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